Details:
Michelle M Rathgaber, PhD, RPA, discusses the history of pottery making in Arkansas, complete with a Coil Building Demo and hands-on play at the NLRPLS's Innovation Hub. Step back in time and get your hands in the clay! Join us for a special hands-on pottery workshop led by Michelle M. Rathgaber, PhD, RPA, Educational Outreach Coordinator for the Arkansas Archeological Survey. In this two-hour session, you’ll explore the rich and fascinating history of pottery-making in Arkansas—from early Indigenous ceramic traditions to historic techniques that shaped life across the region. Dr. Rathgaber will guide participants through a short presentation and a live demonstration of coil building, a pottery technique that’s been used for thousands of years. Then it’s your turn! Participants will roll up their sleeves and use air-dry clay to create their own handmade vessel using traditional coil methods. No experience needed—just come curious and ready to connect with Arkansas’s cultural history through craft. Whether you're a history buff, a maker at heart, or just looking for a unique experience, this interactive workshop is a rare opportunity to learn from an expert and make something meaningful with your own two hands. Seating is limited. Pre-registration required. Cost: FREE
